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Swagger Back? Xavier Prepares for Duquesne
1/10/2012
Xavier snapped out of some of its funk with a 67-59 victory over Fordham at Rose Hill Gym on Saturday. The victory stopped a skid where they had lost 5 of their last 6. Now, Xavier (10-5, 1-1) can enjoy a three game home stand, beginning Wednesday with a game against Duquesne (10-6, 1-1). The victory against Fordham (7-8, 0-0), wasn't as impressive as Xavier would have liked it to be, but right now, it's about baby steps.
This team's psyche was severely fractured after the fight. The Musketeers are an emotional team, one that likes to intimidate their opponent. They lost that ability after the Shootout. The team was afraid to talk, as they had so many times earlier in the season. Some of that may have changed on Saturday, though. Mark Lyons got hit with an early technical, which could end up being the turning point for this season. It showed the team still had a pulse.
Whether fans like it or not, for better or for worse, this is the Xavier Musketeers, this year. It's team that runs high on emotions, which means they will be really good when things are going well, and really bad when they aren't. They feed off each other. And they're going to talk. Trash talk has become a part of the game, good or bad. It's part of the mental aspect now. If the Muskies can get inside a team's head by talking, more power to them. I think everyone would rather see them prove it on the court, but if the two go hand in hand - so be it. On Saturday, they did.
Mark Lyons' chit chat early on Saturday seemed to energize the team. Dez Wells' dunk and dirty look towards the Rams' student section also could be considered important. The attitude was back, at least for one game. The play? Not as much. Tu Holloway failed to score, and only took three shots the whole game. He did have 5 assists, so one can be pleased that he fulfilled his role as point guard. But Xavier needs more production and consistent play out of their All American if they are to succeed the rest of the year. It was Lyons who took control of the game, backing up his words, with 20 points and 3 big threes.
Dez Wells also had an important 13 for Xavier, as he continues his terrific freshman year. Kenny Frease managed a measly 9 points, 5 of them coming from the free throw line. Andre Walker had a huge game, pulling down 14 boards with 7 points. And Brad Redford broke out of his funk with a pair of threes and 8 points while playing 18 minutes off the bench. Coach Chris Mack showed tremendous confidence in him while Holloway rested and Lyons was in foul trouble. That's the kind of team chemistry and trust the team needs.
Overall, this was as close to a must win game as Xavier will play all season. They couldn't afford to drop two in a row to open A10 conference play. Winning in New York on Saturday sets up an easier road for Xavier now, as they return home. The game gave them their confidence back - that they can be who they are without severe consequences. There is an identity again. Will it carry over to Wednesday and beyond? It better. The season depends on it.
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